Fitness course gives teenager a head start on life

AT THE age of only 17, Rhys Carter boasts both school and Vocational Education and Training (VET) credentials.

During the past two years, the former Pioneer State High student juggled school, sports, a part-time job and a Certificate III in Fitness.

"I get a thrill out of being busy; but really, being able to do the course online made the extra study easy,” Rhys admitted.

He's now embarking on a Certificate IV in Fitness, with a view to starting his own personal training business.

"This profession can take you all over the world; ideally I'd like to work back in my hometown of Christchurch, New Zealand, and to travel from there,” Rhys said.

A football knee injury (torn ligament) late last year made Rhys's fitness studies all the more relevant.

"In the course, I learnt all about the muscles of the body and I was able to teach myself which stretches and strengthening exercises would help me with my rehabilitation,” he said.

Inspired by her brother, Rhys's younger sister Rochelle is now considering coupling Year 11 with a Certificate in Early Childhood Studies.

Rhys encouraged other high school students pondering their next study or career move to "look long-term and find something that's in line with what you're interested in now and what your goals are for the future”.

"For me it's important to pair something I already love like fitness and sport with other things like travel that I want to do later in life.”

"Being able to do the course while at school has given me a head start towards this.”

CQUni Mackay teacher Linda Nugent said following a recent price review, the University's Fitness courses were now more affordable than ever.

"We were excited to see this has been reflected in the great level of interest shown in Fitness at our recent TAFE Careers Expo,” she said.